Improvement in method of



UNITED STATES PATENT OErucEC JACOB S. SIMMERMAN, OF GLASSBOROUGH, NEW JERSEY.

IMPROVEMENT lN METHOD 0F APPLYING ELECTRICITY DURING EXTRACTlON 0F TEETH.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 21,853, dated October 19, 1858.

To all whom 'it may concern.-

Beit known that I, J Aeon S. SIMMEEMAN, of Glassborough, in the county of Gloucester and State of New Jersey, have invented anew and Improved Mode ot' Applying Electricity during the Extraction of Teeth; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full and exact description of the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon.

My invention consists in applying electricity to the gum or teeth, or both, near the tooth to be extracted, through the medium of an insulated and adjustable spring-clip, connected to that class of electro magnetic machines in which the intensity ofthe shock may be regulated at pleasure.

The object of my invention is to gradually render the gum and teeth insensible to pain prior to the lancing of the gum and subsequent extraction of the tooth, and to gradually withdraw the electrity and gradually restore sensibility to the gum and teeth after the tooth has been extracted, thereby avoiding the disagreeable and painful shocks felt by the patient on applying the forceps, and the equally painful sensation felt after the extraction of the tooth when electricity has been applied through the medium of the forceps.

In order to enable others to practice my invention, I will now proceed to describe the mode in which I carry it into effect.

On reference to the accompanying drawings,

which form a part of this specification, Figure lis a side view (full size) of the instrument wherewith I apply electricity to the gums of a patient during the extraction of teeth Fig. 2, a plan looking in the direction ot' the arrow l, Fig. l 5 Fig. 3, a plan looking in the direction of the arronT 2, Fig. 1.

A and A are two metal springs, the spring A being attached to or forming a part ot' a rod, a, which is arranged to t snugly, but so as to slide freely, in a socket, b, which is attached to or forms a part ot' the spring A. Each of the springs is furnished on the inside and near its ends with a pad, e, of cloth, felt, or other substance capable of absorbing moisture. To the socket bis connected one end of the exible conductingwire B, the opposite end being connected to one of the poles of that class of elec tro-magnetic machines in which the intensity of the electric current may be readily graduated by the operator.

It will be seen that the above-mentioned instrument formsan adjustable spring-clip, as by sliding the rod a in or out ofthe socket the distance between the opposite pads may beincreased or diminished at pleasure, the elasticity or gri ping effect of the springs being available at whatever distance the rod a may project from the socket.

It should be understood that the conductingwire B is coated with gum-elastic, gatta-percha, or other non-conducting material, and that the socket b is insulated, as are also the springs A and A', with the exceptionof that portion to which the pads are attached.

The above-described insulated and adjustable spring-clip, with its nioistened pads, is in the first instance adjusted to the gum or teeth, or both, of the patient, in as close proximity to the tooth to be extracted as will enable the operator to have a free use ot' his forceps without disturbing the clip. B is connected to one ot"`the poles of the battery, and the patient grasps in his hand aconductor from the opposite pole. then graduates the battery until the desired amount ot' electricity is imparted to the gum or teeth through the clip and its moistened pads. The jaw,in theneighborhood of the tooth to be extracted,has now become gradually insensible withoutany sudden and painful shock. rlhe operator, after taking the preliminary steps of lancing the gum, applies anytof the ordinary forceps. r After the tooth has been withdrawn the insulated clip is allowed to remain attached to the jaw for a short time, when the electricity is gradually reduced and the clip withdrawn I am aware that electricity has been heretofore applied during the extraction of teeth, and that a patent for a combination ot an electro magnetic machine with dental forceps has been The conducting-wire The operator y disadyantage in Dr. Franciss mode is that the currentof electricity ceases as soon as the tooth is Withdrawn, and a sudden pain, consequent upon the extraction of the tooth, takes place.

It will be seen Without further description that by my improved inode of applying electricity during the extraction of teeth the above inconveniences and defects are avoided.

It will also be seen that the instrument may be considerably modied in form Without any change in the result. In some instances the clip may be so constructed th at one ot' the pads shall press against the cheek of the patient on the outside of the mouth, and the other against the gum or teeth on the inside of the mouth.

I claim and desire to secure by Letters .Patent- Applying electricityto the gums orteeth,or both, during the operation of extracting teeth, by means ot' the insulated adjustable spring clip herein described orits equivalent, the said clip being connected to one of the poles of an adjustable electro magnetic machine or its equivalent, as herein set forth, and for the purpose specified. Y

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification before tivo subscribing witnesses. Y

J AGOB S. SIMMERMANN.

Witnesses:

HENRY HoWsoN, v 'HORACE SEE. 

